PRO BASKETBALL: Budinger's career takes a turn with trade

Last month, while back home in San Diego relaxing after wrapping up his third season with the Houston Rockets, Budinger ruminated on his future in the NBA.

"I mean, I know I can play in this league, and I just need the opportunity to get minutes," Budinger said. "And I feel with more minutes, I'll do more for the team and produce more. I've shown that in the games where I have got a lot of minutes, I've produced well.

"And there ... so be it."

The tone of the former high school All-American from La Costa Canyon High was matter-of-fact. His verbal punctuation could have represented the slightest hint of frustration. Over his three years with Houston, he had started a total of 25 games and averaged 9.4 points.

In his final game this season, with Houston eliminated from playoff consideration, Budinger logged 42 minutes and scored a season-high 27 points. Two of his three highest-scoring games of the season came in the last eight days.

"I'm just happy, though, with the way the season ended," he said. "And that I ended on a high note."

Two weeks to the day after that conversation, Budinger was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for the 18th selection in the recent NBA draft.

Timberwolves president David Kahn said at the introductory press conference: "We knew exactly who we were obtaining in this trade."

The move reunited him with Rick Adelman, the coach of the Rockets when Budinger came into the league as the No. 44 pick in the 2009 draft.

Adelman noted that Budinger "went a lot later than he thought" in the draft that year.

"What I really like about him, is his work ethic," said Adelman, who also coached Budinger in his second season before taking over the Timberwolves last year. "You know, he proved people wrong."

It's safe to say that Budinger did that. Three years after being taken 44th, he was traded straight-up for the 18th pick. Adelman recited the strengths that have long been attributed to Budinger: perimeter shooting, running the floor and general athleticism.

Trent Suzuki has known Budinger for 15 years. Suzuki worked with Chase's siblings, Brittanie and Duncan, both Division I volleyball players. Budinger still calls on Suzuki every summer for strength and conditioning work.

"Being back with Coach Adelman and Coach (Jack) Sikma, and all the other support staff that he's familiar with that were on the Rockets, he's going to be able to hit the ground running, as far as his comfort level," Suzuki said.

"And beyond that, you know the situation with the kind of team he's on ---- they need guys that can hit shots, especially from deep, and he's got that ability. He has ability to pass, and see the open man at the basket. And there's his inside game, it's really going to help.

"And, of course, being around Kevin Love who can attract defenses, and having Ricky Rubio as one of the best passers, point guards in the world. I really think it's a perfect situation for him to excel."

Budinger was clearly happy to be heading back to Adelman's offense, which encourages full-court basketball.

"I felt I was best in his system," Budinger said while seated next to Adelman at the press conference.

Prior to the trade, the final season on the four-year contract Budinger signed as a rookie was picked up by the Rockets. If he does not sign a new contract during the season, he will wind up an unrestricted free agent next summer.

"Chase will play out this season," agent Kevin Bradbury said. "He's eligible for an extension. That will come from any conversations we have (with the Timberwolves)."

With his immediate future resolved, Budinger has been caught up in his offseason training and organizing the third edition of his basketball camp, which will be held July 23-27 at La Costa Canyon. The preparations bring back memories of his days as a young camper, including attending the one run by Luke Walton and Richard Jefferson.

"I went to their camp and it was just cool to hang out with them, and to see how big and strong they were," Budinger said. "You know, you were mesmerized by an NBA player when you were a little kid. They're interacting with you and they're showing you new things. And you really pay attention to what they're saying because they're kind of like your idol. It's very cool to have those memories."

Later in high school, Budinger went to a Kobe Bryant's camp. One day Bryant picked out Budinger, inviting him to a private workout early the next morning.

"He and I did a workout one morning at, like, 5:30," Budinger said. "I guess that was the time he was working out every morning. So he told me if I wanted me to work out with him, I better make it. And I was able to do a one-on-one workout with Kobe Bryant. I just thought that was the coolest thing.

"I just remember after the workout, I was calling all my buddies and going, 'Oh my God, I just go to work out with Kobe Bryant.' "